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Beginning of America
In the year of 1607 the colonization of America began. Immigrants from Europe arrived with new treasures. They traveled on ships to finally arrive on America's shores.They brought along with them different culture in their items. These items included foods, culture and customs. -
African Immigrants.
Soon after America's lands were inhabited by Europeans, they brought with them Africans as slaves. The importation of African slaves contintued for a period of time. They traveled with the Europeans in the ships, but in the lower levels along with the goods that the English brought. -
Naturalization Act
The first alien naturalization act was enacted by the newly created US government. This act provided the first set of rules/regualtions followed by the entire United States of America in granting citizenship. The law required for specifrically two years in the country and one year in the state of residence. At the time the law was created only the free white population was allowed to file for citizenship, this excluded slaves, servants etc. -
Residency
In the year 1798 John Adams signed a commitment with France somehow leading the residency requirement of 14 years for gaining citizenship. There were many outbreaks about the new law. The public believed it was unfair so then 1802 the rule was changed. Congress still thought that residency was an important part in gaining citizenship so they decided to lower the law to 5 years. -
Potato Famine
During the 1840's through the 1860's there occurred a potato famine affecting the Irish in Europe. Crops failed to grow because of a disease that spread thoughout the potato fields. The disease destroyed the plants leaves and roots leaving the potato plant inedible. Since this very crucial resource decreased so did the population in Ireland. The irish population decreased from 8.4 million to 6.6 million in the years of 1844 to 1851. Around 1.5 million of the irish population went to America. -
Gold Rush
Through the years of 1849 to 1852 there were many chinese immigrants arriving to America for one very specific reason. The gold rush. Gold nuggets were first discovered in california near a sacramento valley. The chinese immediately took advantage of this situation. At first everyone was happy they did not mind the chinese immigrants since gold was plentiful. Then a few years they began to be treated unfairly. Overall chinese immigrants were not wanted in the country during the gold rush. -
Education
Following up the issue of chinese immigrants during the gold rush, the chinese students also suffered. Hatred was still happenning in California. Specifically in San Francisco chinese children were excluded from public schools. -
Statue of Liberty
On October 28, 1886 the statue of liberty was revealed. This let immigrants know that they were welcome to enter this nation. The statue was a gift from the French nation. They wanted to give something to America to show eternal friendship. When immigrants passed through Ellis Island the first thing they saw was the statue of liberty. It was a sign for them of freedom. -
Ellis Island
This is the official date of Ellis Island opening in New York as an immigration passage. It processed over 12 million immigrants many europeans over the next thirty years to come. Ellis Island gave these immigrants a new home to restart their lives. They gained many opportunities and the freedom to think and speak as they hearts commanded. -
Mexican Revolution
There were many renovations in northern Mexico that attracted a large group of Mexicans to travel there and live there. The development of mining and railroads was increasing, but at the same time the economic pressures were not good. The country began to have social and economic troubles which drove Mexicans north into the U.S. America provided them with jobs, in the areas of railroads, mines and industry. -
Married Women's Act
The Married Women's Act or also known as the Cable Act repeals the Expatriation Act of 1907. The Expatriation Act revoked citizenship of women who married foreigners. Women who married non-americans would automatically be converted into their husbands nationality therefore not leaving women as Americans. This new Cable act prevents this from occurring. -
War Brides Act
The War Bride's Act of 1945 allowed American soldiers to bring their foreign spouses to America. During this time period about one million women fom 50 different countries arrived in the U.S. Although the women did not qualify to enter the country through other immigrantion regulations they were able to come through this one. This act continued for 3 more years. But six months later it was changed with more specific rules. -
Refugee Act
The first ste for the refugee act to take action is if the person qualifies under the defintion. The refugee defines a refugee as someone who flees from their country "on account of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion." The United States assisted this group of people in granting them asylum and giving them a new life in America. -
Border Patrol
President Bush announces that the borders will begin to be more secured. More agents will be added to secure and enforce the immigration laws. Also, the infrastructure was also improved to help the condition of the physical borders. New consequences were also added to those caught trying to cross the U.S. borders. -
DACA
President Obama signs deferred Action for childhood arrivals (DACA) to allow some undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to stay in the country. This allowed the children to work and attain a driver's license. -
DAPA
DAPA was initiated on Nov 20,2014. DAPA is deferred action for parents of Americans. Parents of American children will recieve deportation deferrals and authorization to work legally if they have been in the United States for more than five years and ass background checks.
